A back of the pack blog, for anyone who's interested in reading how I approach training for and finishing an IronMan triathlon... Slowly, and while dealing with all that life throws my way!

Thursday, June 11, 2009

9 Days and Counting!!

So yesterday I got in a very short brick... 45 minutes on the bike (all hills around the house), and then had a 3 minute transition to the run, and did 45 minutes, again hills around the house. The legs felt great yesterday, and I was able to work out the "wierd" feeling getting off the bike in about a half mile of running, AND I managed to keep my pace reasonable. I have the tendency to to go WAY too fast off the bike into the run, and get super tired super fast. Score one for restraint!!

This workout was also my first chance to test out the trusty Roo (bike) after it's tune up and rubber overhaul. I have to give some props to Center Cycle in Renton, as they got me into the shop and completed the work in 24 hours (REI, 2 weeks? Seriously?). They did an AWESOME job; shifting smooth, brakes back up to snuff, and my new tires rock. I asked for some puncture protection and mileage without breaking the bank, and they seem to have delivered in outstanding fashion!

I had a chance to talk with my mom last night too, who is roadtripping up from Utah with my baby sister and my brand new niece. It is exciting to have a bit of a cheering section at the race! My oh-so-cute-and-supportive wife has been there the last 3 years (love you baby!), and this will be my mom and sister's 2nd IM cheerleading experience. It makes a WORLD of difference to have some friendly faces to look forward to on the course. It gives you a huge emotional boost, and frankly, is WAY more exciting that just counting off the mile markers (that loses its appeal after the first 100 miles or so).

Plus, my wife is good for a couple kisses out there, which seems to be WAY more effective at passing the miles than GU and Gatorade. :-)

Interesting Blogs....

A and B Race Links for 2010

Introduction to Happy Ironman!!

First and foremost, I am a normal guy... I am not an elite level athlete, and I don't pretend to be. I work hard, I have an amazing wife (think beautiful and smart, way out of my league), am excited about our new family... Like many, I stumbled into the wonderful world of triathlon completely by accident, but had such amazing experiences with training and racing, that 3 years, 30 fewer pounds, and 3 IM finishes later, here we are...

About Me

-Married to a gorgeous, brilliant woman, who is oblivious that she is WAY out of my league (please don't tell her); am a brand new daddy; 3 time IM finisher (Coeur d'Alene 2007, Lake Placid 2008, Coeur d'Alene 2009); Proud "Back of the Pack" athlete!